CHM vs Sedera: Full Comparison for 2026

Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) and Sedera occupy opposite ends of the health sharing spectrum. CHM is the oldest ministry in America, founded in 1981, with 300,000+ members and the lowest monthly cost in the industry starting at $115/month. Sedera launched in 2010 as a secular alternative with broader coverage including prescriptions, telehealth, and mental health, but costs more at $199-$379/month. If you are choosing between these two, the decision comes down to faith requirements, budget, and how much coverage you need beyond the basics.

CHM (Christian Healthcare Ministries)

300,000+ members | Founded 1981

From $115/mo

Strict Christians seeking lowest cost option, most affordable ministry

Read full review →Visit website →

Sedera

50,000+ members | Founded 2010

From $199/mo

Secular users seeking alternative to faith-based ministries

Read full review →Visit website →

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureCHMSedera
Monthly Cost (Individual)$115-$264$199-$379
Initial Unshareable Amount (IUA)$300 / $500 / $1,000$500 / $1,000 / $2,000
Coverage CapUnlimitedUnlimited
Faith RequirementStrict ChristianNone (secular)
Pre-Existing Wait6 months6 months
NetworkNo network restrictionNo network restriction
PrescriptionsNot includedIncluded
Mental HealthNot includedIncluded
MaternityIncludedIncluded
Processing Time30-45 days30-45 days

The Bottom Line

CHM wins on price; Sedera wins on coverage breadth and accessibility.

Choose CHM if

You are a committed Christian, attend church regularly, want the lowest possible monthly cost ($115/month individual), and can live without prescription drug and telehealth coverage. CHM has the longest track record (43 years) and unlimited sharing cap.

Choose Sedera if

You want a secular option with no faith requirement, need prescription and mental health coverage, and are willing to pay $199+/month for broader benefits. Sedera covers telehealth, prescriptions, maternity, and mental health at every tier.

Read the Full Reviews

CHM (Christian Healthcare Ministries) Review

Pricing, coverage details, pros and cons, and member experience.

Sedera Review

Pricing, coverage details, pros and cons, and member experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CHM require church attendance?▼
Yes. CHM requires members to sign a strict Christian statement of faith and provide proof of regular church attendance. Sedera has no faith requirement at all.
Does Sedera cover prescriptions?▼
Yes. Sedera includes prescription drug coverage in its plan. CHM does not cover prescriptions, though members can use discount pharmacy programs independently.
Which has a lower monthly cost?▼
CHM starts at $115/month for individuals, making it the most affordable health sharing ministry. Sedera starts at $199/month but includes more coverage categories like telehealth and mental health.
How do pre-existing condition rules compare?▼
Both CHM and Sedera have a 6-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions with 50% sharing in the first 6 months and 100% after. They are identical on this point.
Are either of these actual health insurance?▼
No. Both CHM and Sedera are health sharing programs, not regulated insurance. Neither is guaranteed coverage. Members voluntarily share medical bills. Neither satisfies the ACA individual mandate in states that still enforce it.

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